The effect of obstructive sleep apnea on retinal arterial and venous oxygen saturations: further evidence from a randomised study

Abstract

 Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with retinal vascular diseases, but the mechanisms by which OSA might cause retinal vascular disease are unknown.  To our knowledge, this is the first randomised controlled study to explore the effects of OSA on awake retinal oxygen saturations, as a surrogate of oxygen delivery. Stopping continuous positive airway pressure had no effect on daytime retinal arterial or venous oxygen saturations, despite leading to a marked return of OSA. This suggests that OSA does not alter daytime oxygen delivery and suggests that other mechanisms are responsible for retinal vascular disease in OSA.